Surat Beat

Officials gear up for epidemics
District Collector Sangeeta Singh on Saturday presided over a meeting of government officials to discuss administrative preparedness for any outbreak of epidemic. She asked officials to ensure that drinking water wells were chlorinated regularly and a logbook maintained for the benefit of Class I officers, who can penalise employees if they are not well-maintained. The district health officer said even a single positive case of communicable diseases should be reported to the district control room immediately. Medical officers in every taluka have been asked to send daily reports to DHO on wireless.

Hoteliers8217; plea
The Saputara Hotel Association has asked the State government to earmark separate funds for the development of Saputara, the only hill station of Gujarat. It has also demanded that a special committee, headed by the Dangs district collector and comprising association members, be set up to expedite the development project. In a memorandum submitted to Tourism Minister Suresh Mehta, the association said frequent power failures were causing a lot of hardship. It also demanded regular water supply and a proper sewerage network. It pointed out that there was no petrol pump in Saputara, and that tourists had to travel at least 40 kms for fuel. An amusement park, a sports museum, gardens and proper transport were among the other demands made in the memorandum.

Fine arts awards
The city-based Rashtriya Kala Kendra, an arts, dance and drama academy, has announced awards in various categories for artists of the city. Nine awards have been announced for best actor, best actress, best classical dancer, best music, contribution to drama, best child artist, best child painter, best garba dancer and best mimicry to encourage drama and dance in the city, according to a release.

Trekking plans
Nature Club, an environment organisation of the city, has organised a month-long mountaineering tour from September 15, a release said. Those interested will be taken to Mount Thelu 6000 metres and Mount Koteshwar 6035 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, the release added.

Food poisoning
Vadodara: At least a dozen children, all below 10 years of age, had to be admitted to hospital after they ate contaminated snacks at a school function in Kwant on Saturday evening.